We want to hear from you

Dawkins' speech – and an ongoing flow of magazine pieces like the one in Wired – led me to wonder what Orange County Register readers think of a couple of questions. They are:

1. Do you believe that scientists are trying to undermine the public's belief in the existence of God or a higher being? If so, how and why?

2. Can a person simultaneously believe in God and in the findings of science? Are there inherent contradictions?

Please e-mail your thoughts to grobbins@ocregister.com. You also can reach me at 714-796-7970, or write a letter to: Gary Robbins, science editor, Orange County Register, 625 N. Grand Ave., Santa Ana, CA., 92701. Include your full name and what city you live in. If you're a member of the clergy or a scientist, please say so.

What is it?

Readers had fits identifying the person in last week's mystery photo. I received answers ranging from Fred Rogers to Robert Oppenheimer to Stanley Milgram. The correct answer came from Gene Tabatabai of Costa Mesa, who knew the photo showed Claude Shannon, the so-called father of information theory. We've shaken things up today, asking readers to identify what chemical the symbols shown here represent. The first with the right answer wins Bob Woodward's book, "State of Denial." E-mail answers to grobbins@ocregister.com

Grab your car keys and head to Pasadena. This is a good day to visit Caltech and get on the waiting list for seats to this afternoon's public lecture by Richard Dawkins, who is at once one of the most revered and despised scientists of our time.

Dawkins is the evolutionary biologist who wrote such acclaimed books as "The Selfish Gene" and "The Blind Watchmaker." He's also widely known for trumpeting the role of science and rationalism while savaging people's beliefs in religion.

I want to know what you think about Dawkins and scientists who share his viewpoint. But more about that in a minute.

Dawkins has just published a controversial new book that will stoke the long-standing debate about whether many scientists are anti-God and anti-religion, especially those in the life sciences. The book is called "The God Delusion" and it drew a mixed reaction from Publisher's Weekly, which says in a review:

"For a scientist who criticizes religion for its intolerance, Dawkins has written a surprisingly intolerant book, full of scorn for religion and those who believe.

"But Dawkins, who gave us the selfish gene, anticipates this criticism. He says it's the scientist and humanist in him that makes him hostile to religions - fundamentalist Christianity and Islam come in for the most opprobrium - that close people's minds to scientific truth, oppress women and abuse children psychologically with the notion of eternal damnation."

Dawkins is also featured in the current issue of Wired magazine, which headlined its cover story: "The New Atheism: No Heaven. No Hell. Just Science."

The Skeptics Society persuaded Dawkins to discuss his views at 2 p.m. today in Caltech's Beckman Hall. The event is sold out. But there are usually cancellations, and this is a rare opportunity to see Dawkins. So it's worth the drive to Pasadena.

CHEMICALS AT HOME:This is the last day of National Chemistry Week. To celebrate, we're posting a "Chemicals at Home" quiz posted online by the American Chemical Society. You'll find the answers below.

1. Sodium chloride is a flavorful addition to many foods. What is the common name?

A. Sugar

B. Baking soda

C. Salt

D. Lemon juice

2. Hypochlorous acid helps get the laundry white and bright. What is the common name?

A. Vinegar

B. Aspirin

C. Baking soda

D. Bleach

3. Sodium hydrogen carbonate gives a nice lift to biscuits. What is the common name?

A. Baking soda

B. Sugar

C. Baking power

D. Yeast

4. Acetylsalicylic acid helps cure aches, pains, and fever. What is the common name?

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